Headline Roundup • September 21st, 2025
250 American Lawmakers Attend ‘50 States One Israel’ Conference in Jerusalem
Summary from the AllSides News Team
250 state lawmakers from all 50 US states visited Israel this week to attend an event hosted by the country’s Foreign Ministry called “50 States One Israel.” The story was barely covered by Western media.
The Details: Lawmakers sat alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the week-long conference, which was funded by the Israeli state. Other activities included visiting border communities near Gaza and planting 250 trees in the Ofakim park.
Key Quotes: Netanyahu said at the event, “I thank you for coming here to stand with Israel. Thank you, Democrats and Republicans alike. We value and cherish your support.” Foreign Ministry Deputy Director for North America Lior Haiat, when asked by The Jerusalem Post (Center bias) if any lawmakers boycotted the event, said, “There were a few for political reasons, but the vast majority we approached responded enthusiastically and immediately said yes. This demonstrates the very broad support for Israel that exists across American society.”
For Context: On September 14, Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel and met Netanyahu at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. On September 16, Israel announced it had begun a major ground offensive aimed at occupying Gaza City. Earlier this week, a United Nations commission announced it conducted an inquiry that found Israel to be committing genocide in Gaza. Polling from Pew Research Center (Center) published in April 2025 found 53% of Americans – 37% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats – have an unfavorable view of Israel.
How The Media Covered It: AllSides found a few Center-rated local news outlets that covered the story, including Oregon Capital Chronicle, Boise Public State Radio, and Alaska’s KTUU. The Columbus Dispatch (not rated by AllSides) reported that Ohio Democratic Sen. Beth Liston canceled her planned attendance because she didn’t want to be used for “propaganda.”
Split Framing: In terms of international outlets, AllSides found coverage from Middle East Eye (Left), The Times of Israel (Center), and The Jerusalem Post. Middle East Eye amplified criticisms and distaste from “both liberal and conservative” commentators regarding the trip. The Jerusalem Post wrote, “The delegation reflects the diversity of American society, ranging from representatives of major urban centers to lawmakers from rural agricultural regions, many of whom are not regularly exposed to Israel.”
Written by the AllSides staff (of humans). Learn more. Support our mission.
Featured Coverage of this Story
Debbie Hill/AFP
The 250 American legislators spending a week in Israel for the “50 States, One Israel” conference have sparked backlash from across the political spectrum this week.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar lobbied the US lawmakers on a visit to Israel to pursue anti-Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) legislation, as Israel's leaders increasingly warn the country is becoming isolated on the global stage.
Saar on Tuesday told the lawmakers that Israel was subject to “a coordinated global effort…to eliminate the State of Israel” and that the country and its allies abroad had to push back.
...
At a time when Israel faces growing isolation around the world, the largest-ever delegation of US lawmakers, representing all 50 states, arrived in Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar both addressed the delegation at an event at the Foreign Ministry titled “50 States One Israel” on Monday.
“Welcome to Jerusalem, the eternal capital of Israel,” declared Lior Haiat, Deputy Director for North America at the Foreign Ministry, as he opened the event.
Two Oregon lawmakers are among 250 state legislators across the U.S. visiting Israel this week on a trip sponsored by the Israeli government.
Israel hosted Rep. David Gomberg, D-Otis and Rep. Emily McIntire, R-Eagle Point, on a trip Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as the largest-ever bipartisan delegation of American lawmakers to visit. The Consulate General of Israel, calling the trip “50 States, One Israel,” is covering the lawmakers’ cost of air travel, lodging, ground transportation and meals between Sept. 13 and Sept. 18.
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